PHIL Davies - the architect of Worcester's downfall two years ago - is helping Halifax plot another Sixways sabotage.

The Leeds Tykes coach held a scrum session at Ovenden Park last night as the Yorkshire contingent got together in a bid to bring down the Warriors in Saturday's Powergen Cup fifth round clash.

"Phil was giving the forwards general help and advice but also tips on how to handle individual Worcester players," said a Halifax source.

"Obviously there is a great deal of interest here and people are trying to help Halifax bring Worcester down."

The National Three North outfit are publicly playing down their chances in the cup clash but fancy their chances against a Worcester side trying to bounce back after Saturday's 38-13 capitulation at title rivals Rotherham.

Halifax are unbeaten at home for two years after winning three back-to-back promotions and have recruited former Rugby League stars to bolster their campaign this season.

Ex-Halifax Bluesox stars Oli Marns and Graham Holroyd have given the rugby union side a real boost while Australian-born Jamie Bloem and Ben Anderson, son of Australian Rugby League coach Chris, are also among their ranks.

Number eight Andrew Maloney is also a new arrival and the Australian is quietly confident that they can take advantage of Worcester's recent woes and book a plum sixth round trip to reigning Premiership champions Leicester Tigers on December 21.

"We are all looking forward to playing Worcester. It is a massive game," said Maloney.

"We cannot hide from it and it is on everybody's minds. But Halifax have exceeded all expectations to date. Of course it is a big ask, but that is what it is all about when you reach this stage of any competition.

"Home advantage counts for a lot. Most clubs can expect to have a 75 per cent success rate at home, but we have to be up to about 95 per cent and that gives us some hope."